This NYT article focuses on systemic solutions to the pay gap between men and women (such as publish everyone's pay and create flexible work policies that accommodate mothers) with only a small nod to what women can do behaviorally to close the gap (learn to negotiate better). Expecting all women to change their behavior to match the prevailing male norm isn't going to solve the problem of unconscious gender bias and the resulting pay gap. Changing workplace policies and practices will improve the workplace for everyone, including men, and level the playing field for women. Enjoy this good readhere!

Kristin Robertson, CEO of Brio Leadership, is dedicated to increasing the number of employees who are excited to go to work on Monday mornings. Services include executive coaching, leadership development classes and company culture consulting. Don’t forget to get a copy of Kristin Robertson’s new book, Your Company Culture Ecosystem, available on Amazon.

Employees often groan when their managers ask them to create individual goals for the coming year. Some people think it’s just one more meaningless exercise to go through, like the flavor of the month, which will be forgotten in 30 days. Or perhaps it conjures negative reactions to making New Year’s resolutions – like losing 10 lbs by March 1. You’re all excited at the start, but by the end of January, you’re back to eating chocolate cake at lunch.

It doesn’t have to be that way. You can encourage team members to make personal goals at work that are fun to create, meaningful and lasting. You can start a company ritual of creating photomaps. ​